Vivace Influenza

Students with Vivace Influenza are having trouble with slow playing. They struggle to play something at a slow tempo as they can then no longer use their ear or muscle memory to play.

Vivace Influenza: Reverse Metronome Ladder

The metronome is often used to increase the tempo, but the opposite can be very useful too. Little by little we can slow that vivace right down to an andante, or even a largo.

Steps

• Assess what tempo your student is currently playing at and ask her to play with the metronome at this tempo.
• Slow the tempo by 3-5 bpm and ask her to play again.
• Repeat this as many times as your student will bear (5/6 is usually quite enough).
• Explain how your student can use the tempo tracking chart at home. Complete one row in the lesson together so you’re sure she gets how the system works.
• Assign Reverse Metronome Practice for one or more pieces.

Download the printable Reverse Metronome Tracking chart by clicking here.

Vivace Influenza: Copycat

Sometimes simple imitation is the best way to slow your student down. If she’s having trouble slowing down because she doesn’t feel the music when it’s played slowly, this may be the perfect solution for her.

Steps

• Demonstrate a short section at a slow, practice-appropriate tempo.
• Play the same section again, this time asking her to play along with you. (Play on a second piano or in a different octave.)
• Repeat this until she is playing with you successfully, then move to the next section and start the exercise again.
• You can record each section at the slow tempo for her to listen to and play along with at home if you feel she will need that extra helping hand.